October is one of the best months to visit Shirakawa-go. The mountains begin to glow with autumn colours, the temperature becomes pleasantly cooler, and traditions come to the forefront with the Doburoku Festival celebrating locally brewed sake.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about Shirakawa-go in October — from the Doburoku Festival and seasonal highlights to travel advice and tips for making the most of your visit. Joining a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the village without the stress of queues or missed connections, letting you focus on the views, the food, and the charm of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Weather in October
October brings cool, crisp air to Shirakawa-go and some of the most comfortable conditions of the year. Average daytime highs range between 15–18°C, while evenings temperatures often dip to 5–8°C, so it’s wise to bring a warm jacket if you plan to stay after sunset. Early in the month feels mild, but by late October the air turns noticeably colder as winter approaches.
The autumn colours are at their best during this time, with clear skies making the mountains especially photogenic. Rain is occasional but usually light, and the fresh mountain air adds to the atmosphere of the village. Snow does not usually fall until November, though the surrounding peaks may start to show a dusting toward the end of the month.
Festivals & Events in October
Shirakawa-go Doburoku Festival (early–mid October)
Shirakawa-go’s most famous annual event, the Doburoku Festival celebrates the local tradition of brewing unrefined sake. Visitors can enjoy folk music and dance, lion performances, and free tastings of this rich and slightly sweet drink made right in the village. Set against a backdrop of autumn-coloured mountains and the iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, it’s a rare chance to experience living tradition in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seasonal Highlights in October
Autumn Colours in the Village
October is when Shirakawa-go is at its most picturesque. The thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses are framed by mountains glowing in shades of red, orange, and gold. From the observation viewpoint, visitors can take in a sweeping view of the entire village set against the backdrop of autumn foliage.
Harvest Flavours
October is also harvest season in the region. Persimmons hang from farmhouse eaves, chestnuts and mountain vegetables appear in local dishes, and freshly brewed doburoku sake is enjoyed at the festival. Seasonal treats such as gohei mochi and warm snacks sold in the village taste even better in the crisp autumn air.
Featured Tours in October
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama & Shirakawa-go
October is one of the most popular months to explore Takayama’s historic streets and Shirakawa-go’s World Heritage farmhouses. With crisp mountain air and autumn scenery framing the towns, this tour combines cultural tradition with breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights:
- Walk Takayama’s Old Town during the festive season.
- Explore Shirakawa-go’s gassho-zukuri farmhouses amid autumn colours.
- Take in views from the Shirakawa-go lookout point.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
Private Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour
For a more personal experience, this private tour allows you to set the pace while enjoying the guidance of a local expert. Perfect for those who want flexibility, extra time for photography, or a focus on cultural details. October’s festival season and autumn scenery make it an especially rewarding time for a tailored visit.
Highlights:
- Customisable itinerary to fit your interests.
- Private transport for comfort and convenience.
- In-depth exploration of Shirakawa-go with a local guide.
[START FROM TAKAYAMA] Private Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour
- Spots:
- TakayamaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
1-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
Travelling from Kanazawa? This full-day tour takes you through the scenic mountain villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with Inami — Japan’s most famous wood-carving town. October’s autumn colours make this a particularly stunning time to experience the mountain landscapes and traditional architecture.
Highlights:
- Visit both Shirakawa-go and Gokayama World Heritage villages.
- Explore Inami, home to Japan’s renowned wood-carving artisans.
- Travel comfortably from Kanazawa with all transport included.
Best Selling
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
More Ways to Visit Shirakawa-go
Alongside our guided tours, we also offer charters and other travel options to Shirakawa-go. These are perfect for travellers who prefer private transport, customised itineraries, or more flexibility in planning their day. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a group, charters provide comfort and convenience while still letting you experience the best of the village and surrounding region.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in October
- Busy Season for Transport - October is one of the busiest months for Shirakawa-go. Buses from Takayama, Kanazawa, and Nagoya often sell out early in the day, and queues can be long during festival periods and weekends. By joining one of our tours, your transport is reserved in advance, ensuring you won’t miss out on seats or connections.
- What to Wear – October days in Shirakawa-go are cool and refreshing, with average highs around 15–18°C and evenings that often drop close to single digits. Bring layered clothing and a warm jacket for the evenings
- Photography – October offers some of the best scenery of the year. Early mornings bring mist over the fields, while late afternoons highlight the golden tones of the farmhouses and mountains.
- Timing Your Visit – Weekends and festival days are very busy. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in the month.
Where to Stay in October
October is one of the most rewarding months to spend a night in Shirakawa-go. While many travellers visit on day trips, staying overnight lets you experience the quieter side of the village once the buses leave and the lanterns begin to glow against the autumn colours.
- Traditional Gassho Farmhouses – The most atmospheric option is staying in one of Shirakawa-go’s gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Many operate as minshuku (family-run guesthouses) where you can enjoy home-cooked meals, local hospitality, and views of the thatched roofs framed by autumn foliage.
- Nearby Ryokan & Inns – For those who prefer more amenities, ryokan and inns around the village or in nearby towns provide comfort along with easy access to Shirakawa-go. October is high season, so reservations are essential.
- Takayama as a Base – Another excellent option is to stay in Takayama, which offers a wider range of accommodation and easy transport links to Shirakawa-go. Takayama also serves as a gateway to other parts of the Hida region, making it a convenient hub for travellers who want to combine Shirakawa-go with visits to Kamikochi, Norikura, or Okuhida Onsen.
Wherever you choose to stay, autumn is one of the busiest times of year, so it’s best to make arrangements well in advance. For more guidance, see our Best Places to Stay in Shirakawa-go.
Plan Your October Visit
October is one of the most memorable times to experience Shirakawa-go. The Doburoku Festival brings the village to life with centuries-old traditions, while the autumn colours create breathtaking scenery around the gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Seasonal food, crisp mountain air, and quiet evenings add to the charm, making this one of the best months of the year to visit.
With large crowds expected and transport often selling out, planning ahead is essential. Whether you choose to stay overnight in the village, use Takayama as your base, or join a guided tour, visiting in October promises a unique glimpse into both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Shirakawa-go.